“If by chance, we meet Italy at the World Cup, we will put up a better performance” – Keshi says
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has said that Nigeria deserved to have beaten the Italian national team in the international friendly match 
played on Monday but for the excessive respect the Super Eagles paid the Azzuris.
The friendly which was played in Fulham Club’s Craven Cottage ended in a 2-2 draw. The game came barely 48 hours after the African champions had secured their place at next year’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in the second leg of a qualifying play-off.
He said, “Maybe, we had too much of respect for them, but I am sure if by chance we meet at the World Cup, we will put up a better performance.”
Keshi praised his players for shrugging off the effects of jetlag and fatigue to hold Italy to a 2-2 draw in an entertaining friendly in London saying,“After 48 hours, playing a World Cup qualifying match and flying right away here, they did good. Without sleeping, and we didn’t get to do any training before this game. I’m happy.”
The Eagles boss however, told the players that He expected more work and focus from his players as none of them was guaranteed going to Brazil 2014 World Cup yet.
“It’s time to go back and work hard for our various clubsides and stay healthy, because that will form the basis for invitation when we resume next year.
“The truth is that not everybody here will go to the World Cup, but that is how football goes, so those who want to be part of the team must remain fit and play regularly for their clubsides”, Keshi said.
Chelsea star, Mikel Obi also said he believes Nigeria could cause some upsets at next year’s World Cup in Brazil if the players played with the same spirit that enabled the team win the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa earlier this year.
“The potentials are obvious but we must avoid arrogance and complacency. With that this team will go places,” he said.
England-based stars like Mikel Obi, Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses returned to their clubs early Tuesday.
Keshi and other team officials are expected back in Nigeria on Thursday morning, as they will depart London Wednesday night via Heathrow Airport for Lagos.
